LOVED ones have told of their agony after a motorcyclist was killed in a crash.

Alan Sharpe was riding on Lead Road, Greenside, Gateshead, when he was in collision with a bus on Tuesday afternoon.

The bike was flung onto a grass verge and Mr Sharpe ended up under the single-decker bus.

Firefighters used airbags to raise the bus and remove Mr Sharpe, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Sharpe, 43, lived nearby at Dodsworth Terrace, Greenside, and as the rescue was under way his family were alerted about the crash.

They dashed to the scene where they learned the shock news a loved-one was involved.

In a statement the family said: “This has been a devastating shock to all of the family and we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened.

“All the family are grieving this unexpected loss and we thank everyone for their support and condolences at this difficult time.

“We would like to thank police and emergency services for their efforts.”

Police investigators have examined the scene to try and build up a picture of what happened.

The crash happened at the junction with Folly Lane. It is thought the bus had emerged from Folly Lane onto Lead Road and that the motorcycle was being ridden on Lead Road, the main road that runs through the village of Greenside. Police were alerted at around 4.25pm by the ambulance service.

PC Steve Clare, of Whickham Motor Patrols, said: “This has been a shock for the family and our sympathies are with them at this time.”

Anyone who was in the area at the time or witnessed the incident is asked to ring Northumbria Police on 0345 604 3043 ext 69191.